waterway media magazine// may to july 2016 edition

WM Magazine, May 2016

Start-Up Watch:

KPressure 20

Create This:Caribopal 28

Hit PauseTribute to Petra Gooding 10

Editorial 04 Our Letter to You,our Readers

Learning Curve 06 How to start your own Business

Brave New World 08 Taking on a Business Conference

The Business of Health 14 Is Kelp the New Kale?

Financial Tips 16 The Investment Pitch

Gone Digital 24 The Right Smart-phone for your Business

In the Community 30 Sound Advice for the Entrrepreneur

On Point 32 Hair-styles for the Entrepreneur

No Holds Barred 34 Making Time for the Right things

Media Etiquette 36 Press and the Business Conference

CONTENTS

There are so many ups and downs in life. So many times to fail and conquer. So many opportunities just waiting for us to grab them. Over the course of the last months, I’ve seen all these things unfold in my life and the lives of those closest to me.

I’ve seen people I love experience loss, and dreams falter because of setbacks. There have been tears, depression, and for some, the desire to give up all together has been in the cards.

As WM Magazine returns this May—here to stay—after our short hiatus as our parent company Waterway Media was in the midst of restructuring, we want all our readers to remember this:

Don’t Stop Trying. In our pages we pay tribute to a fallen soldier of the media, beloved wife, family member, treasured friend to many, and a stalwart in the sports media field in Barbados and the Caribbean region. Petra Gooding (formerly Harvey), always put her best foot forward to achieve her goals and from her we can learn to work as hard as we can for our dreams.

Failure is okay, really it is! Failure allows us to learn and do better next time. It allows us to move forward on our path to success.

I welcome you all to delve into our May issue where WM Magazine: Your creative guide to media and business, brings you a selection of articles aimed to inspire, educate, and

of course, showcase the wonder of both business and media in a way that is interesting and easy to understand.

We welcome you to take as much as you can away with you as you read, share the knowledge, share with us, and in all you do remember to keep on keeping on—that is the road to success.

Jackie JonesContent Editorial

Ashlee CoxDesign Editor

Message from the Editor


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Join us! Contact: [email protected] Website: www. waterway-media. com

T.O.C

One of the ways we can take control of our financial destiny is by starting a business. Some individuals choose to remain employed in the beginning, while others go full-haul and launch themselves into the world of working for them-selves with gusto. To do so successfully though, there are a few things to have well in hand.

What’s your idea? If you’re thinking of starting your own business, then it means you have an idea to work with. Without an idea there is no business. Your business idea should be some-thing that even if it’s available in the market, comes with an added twist—that thing that makes your business stand out. Ask yourself if what you’re providing is needed, and consider if people will be willing to pay for your product or service. This will require market research to test the waters and see what kind of work you’ll be in for.

You’ll need a business plan. Even if it isn’t the best business plan out there as initially you may not be as versed in creating one, it’s a necessi-ty. Business plans help you figure out what your basic cost of operations are or will be, and if you intend to present to investors, will allow them to understand your business better. On the flip side, it will

show where problems may arise and give you the oppor-tunity to think up viable game-plans. Having a business plan also allows you to under-stand your potential market, and if you’ll even be able to stay in business based on potential customer numbers, what they’d pay for your product or service, and what you need to charge to see a profit.

How to start your own business


You should have included budget projections in your business plan. A realistic budget will allow you to stay within the param-eters of what you’re earning or will be earning, as opposed to what money you put out. With a proper budget you’ll be able to know exactly how much you can spend and where it’s most necessary to do this spending. Sticking to this budget and making changes when necessary, helps you to clearly see what your finan-cials truly are.

A marketing plan is a must. Marketing is one of the major ways that potential buyers find out about your product or service. If you just go into marketing willy-nilly, you run the risk of inconsistent marketing push which causes potential customers to lose

faith in the product or service. Focus on your target group when creating your plan and figure out the best ways to reach them.

If you don’t have the capital to get your business going, look elsewhere. The bank, local investors, venture capitalists or angel investors, and even friends and family, can be ways to get the money you need to get your business up and running. Offer attractive reasons for investing, and make sure your plan is solid and can be properly explained to anyone you approach for monetary assistance, as both these things will improve your chances of getting what you want.

When you start with the above tips, you are well on your way to seeing your business dreams come true.Keep up the momentum by making sure you have things like a website and infrastruc-ture (office, equipment, etc) in place. Tweak your marketing plan if it’s not working and continue to build your customer base with quality service and/or products.

Have burning questions about mass media and business? Check out our Learning Curve page each month for answers.

by Jacqueline Jones

T.O.C

Tackling your first conference can be terrifying, especial-ly if you’re a person who’s not accustomed to mingling and engaging in impromptu conversations. However, there are ways that you can go in fully-prepared and ready to take on anything.

Know what you’re getting intoThis is important for all aspects of business and attending a conference is no different. Even if it’s a local conference and you think you’ve got the home-field advantage, without research you won’t have the inside scoop on what to expect and by extension, how to proceed while there. Learn as much as you can about the event, the speakers, facilitators, and other

attendees. Where possible supplement that with the first-timers’ briefing which many conferences facilitate. It is here that you can not only get up to speed, but start to hone your networking skills with other first-timers.

Emails Can WaitThere are breaks between sessions at conferences, and if it’s a multi-day event, you’ll have time to relax and gather your thoughts. Check emails and catch up on must-do work then. Here’s the thing, if you plug into your phone or laptop the entire time you’re at the conference, you’re missing out on prime opportunities to do what? That’s right—network.

Make good choicesIf you’re an accountant, it makes no sense going to a session about leather-working in Spain, if there’s a session about financial practices of leather-workers in Spain happening simultaneously. The bottom line is, your priority should be to attend sessions that most benefit you, your business, or work-place, and of course, you, the professional. If you have free time and can attend others you’re interest-ed in outside of that scope go right ahead, otherwise, stick to what will most help you. As an added note, if you are in a session that isn’t living up to the hype, or is not what you expect, leave. Find one that is.

By Jacqueline Jones


Retain, retain, retainRecorders, phones, notebooks . . . whatever it takes, use the tools at your disposal to ensure you remember as much as you learn. By recording what you’re taking in from the various sessions, you can then go back over your notes, or other recording mediums, at a later more relaxed time.

Socialise like a bossWhile some people are natural extroverts and can take on any room and socialise with anyone. Others take a bit of a push. Whichever category you fall into, remember that conferences are an excellent way to make lifelong business relationships that can improve your chances and opportunities in your field and beyond. Interact with speakers after sessions, mingle with others in your industry, and those in industries that are both directly and indirectly related to yours. You never know when you might need a favour and having a few more business relationships doesn’t hurt.

Follow-up When the conference is over, don’t rely on others to follow-up with you. Make sure you send emails to those you said you would, especially those who showed even an inkling of interest in your product, or service. Feel free to share what you learnt with employees or co-workers as this can help to improve the business on a whole.

Are you a new entrepreneur? Then you’re in the right place! The Brave New World page features advice on how to better understand and interact with the media, find interesting ways to promote your businesses and brands and, best practices for ensuring continued success. Look out for new tips each month.

T.O.C

HIT PAUSE

Petra Gooding will never be forgotten~Photos by Kenmore Binoe and taken from Facebook


HIT PAUSE

T.O.C

Jackie Jones Remembers Petra Gooding!Petra Gooding was a woman that was respected in her field and off it. That probably makes more sense to those who already knew she was an amazing sports journalist and a force to be reckoned with in a field where men dominate. I went to college with Petra some years ago and later met back up with her while working at one of Barbados’ leading newspapers. In school she was always pretty quiet—in a manner of speaking—not really getting into anything with anyone, but very willing to lend a helping hand and share a laugh.

Later as we worked together in the same office for nearly five years, she a sports journalist, me a feature-writer, I discovered that she’d grown into a woman that had the same grace and good spirit that I’d liked at school.

We weren’t close, so I won’t sit here and pretend we were, but I always liked Petra, or “Harvey” as we referred to her back then.

We didn’t sit too far away from each other in that office and I remember how she’d be busy working, something funny would happen and suddenly you’d hear her familiar laugh poke through the more raucous selections of others in the room.

I kept up with her mainly from seeing her like Instagram photos, or other quick social media inter-actions whimight seem like nothing, but goes to show that she was a person that didn’t forget you, or the time however short—spent together.

Petra’s sudden departure brought back into focus how necessary it is to make the most of our lives. We are not here to just live, we are here to live well and to our full potential.

This is goodbye to Harvey for now, a beautiful woman who left a wondrous mark on so many lives.


Ashlee Cox, says Good-bye to Petra Gooding!

The news that Barbados had lost one of its best journalists was something that nearly sent me to my knees.

Petra Gooding, nee Harvey, was a bright light within the Caribbean sports journalist industry, and was passionate about her reporting.

Anyone who spoke to her for any period of time would know how much she loved her family and sports journalism, specifi-cally track and field.

I met this amazing woman when I started working at the Advocate Publishers in Barbados. My division shared a room with the Sports depart-ment and we often filled in and assisted each other when needed. Working with them for over five years, we became very close colleagues, sharing jokes, life experiences, and advice. In short, we helped each other while in the trenches.

A few months ago, when she began working at the Nation newspaper—also in Barbados—she called and told me she felt as though she fit in and was glowing. She was excited about the many scoops she was now able to investigate and see published.

When I switched over to the Nation, me and “Harvey” as I still called her, would have lunches together and made plans of joining the gym to restart our workout sessions. We spent a lot of time together and I often found myself over by her desk in the Sports section.

Harvey loved to laugh, to highlight the wonders of her nephew Negus, and she was just a down-to-earth, fun person to be around.

Petra was not one to be rude, but she was firm. She was a truly good person, who will be missed but can never be forgotten.

Harvey touched the lives of all she came into contact with and just by being herself, showed that it was important to simply live, because that is what she did. I hope her family is comforted by the fact that she left an indelible mark on all who she encountered.

Petra Gooding nee Harvey was buried on May 7th , but her legacy will live on. That is the legacy of being happy and working hard for your dreams.

T.O.C

Kelp is taking over!

The Business of HealthKelp the new Kale?

The biggest new food trend is here and may be here to stay.Since last year, there has been buzz about another green, leafy veggie looking to dethrone kale—the multi-nutritional superfood. This new contender comes from the sea of all places, in the form of seaweed and kelp.

The idea of seaweed as a food, rather than something to avoid and not step on as you enjoy the beach, is something completely new for many, in fact, the idea that kelp and seaweed could be served like bacon—which it can be—still takes some getting used to for those who would have thought that unthinkable.

For the health conscious entrepreneur and business owner, sea-greens are the way to go, as they help to provide necessary energy and boost cognitive activity.

Asian cultures have long recognised the umami super-powers of seaweed and if you

have been to a Japanese sushi bar, you would have enjoyed some delicious dishes composed of this vegetable, for example sushi wraps which are made with nori, or the seaweed salad, made with wakame.

Seaweed, as endorsed by health and foodie experts, is a remarkable and diverse addition to the world of seafood and is a genuine treat. This ancient superfood is full of nutrients, especially iodine, which regulates the body’s metabolism and weight, main-tains healthy skin, teeth, hair, and energy levels, as well as strengthens the immune system. It is also great for the brain. Seaweed is high in calcium and contains many vitamins including: A, B-12, B-6, and C, along with a variety of minerals and enzymes.

Kelp is chock full of antioxi-dant vitamins like vitamin C, and minerals like manganese, and zinc, which help combat oxidative stress and may offer benefits to cardiovascular health. There have even been claims regarding kelp’s abilities to fight chronic diseases such as cancer.

These superfoods are virtually fat-free and wonderfully low in calories, while managing to retain many of the nutri-tional benefits that land vegetables tend to lack due to soil demineralisation. With so many types of sea greens available from kelp to Kombu, including other foodie gifts such as sea asparagus and brown, green, and red algae, there are endless options for culinary experimentation.

by Ashlee Cox


Kale has been dethroned!

Kelp is a wonderful superfood!

Sea greens are packed with flavour and can add natural seasoning to foods, thanks to their combination of sodium, potassium, calcium phospho-rus,magnesium, riboflavin, iron, and other trace minerals that are found naturally in the ocean.

Kelp is very versatile and can be eaten raw, cooked, consumed in powdered form, and in supplements. It produces a compound called sodium alginate, which can be used as thickener in other bake goods, as well as ice cream, and salad dressings.

Not only do these sea greens contribute to our bodies’ good health, but they are incredi-bly eco-friendly as they can be grown sustainably, and when farmed correctly, have very little impact on the environment.

T.O.C

The Investment Pitch by Ashlee Cox

If you are a business owner and /or entrepreneur, then you already know about the importance of getting inves-tors on-board.The truth is that no matter what stage your start-up is at, you will probably need to get some investment dollars to help with your compa-ny’s growth. To do that, you not only have to find poten-tial interested investors, but also convince them that your company is needed in the market, so that they want to put their money behind it. That means you have to create a pitch deck and to do that, you have to be clear, realistic, and honest about your start-up, and what you really expect from the investor.

So what are some of the things that you should be clear on before you pitch to an investor?

1) The core of your product.In today’s world it seems as if too simple an idea is just not going to cut it anymore and so, many would-be start-ups try to offer something that is new, innovative, and often very complex. These days you no longer have a company that sells pens, you have a company that sells pens that are really mini-light sabers, which can also teleport you over small distances. Well not really, but you can see where we’re going with this.While there is nothing wrong with ensuring that your product is one of the most

amazing things out there in the highly competitive market, sometimes you lose touch with what your product really does, and what it actually provides to those who you want to buy it. For this example, your product is a pen: Pens are used to write with. Once you know what your company/ start-up does, after you strip away all the excess attachments, then you have a clearer idea of what you will need.

2) FinancialsStart-up or not you are in business and need to have some idea of your financials.How do you make money? How and where do you spend money, and what is the frequency of which you spend and make money?

For many non-accountants and those who abhor mathe-matics, this can be a daunting task, especially when you are still in the pre-cash-flow stage. The worry here is that you are not making money yet, so why should anyone invest in you?The solution? Stop thinking like this.Even if you have not made a penny, have you in fact done anything else? Have you engaged in trading, barter-ing, or trial services with


other companies or would be clients?Yes! Of course! All these things—even if it is only you doing it all—still add up when you are looking at the global scope of your business. If you haven’t started doing any of it, you should get on that.

3) The TeamIt was your idea and it is your baby. Nobody understands what it is better than you do. Nobody wants to work for free, etc, etc . . . Every start-up goes through this stage. Truth is, you need a team, and most investors are looking for you to have one. If the company revolves around you and something happens to you, then what does that mean for their investments?

At the start-up level, it is hard to approach others, especially in these trying times when you cannot offer them some monetary rewards for their services up front. However, is there is something else that you can offer those you need to help you succeed in your business? These can be in the form of products, services, or time and what you’ll offer, really depends on the conversation you have

with these people. It is important to form linkages and make strong connections after all, there is safety in numbers—watch your business grow.

4) The competitionWho are your competitors?Have an idea of who they are and how your company’s different. The latter is most important so focus on that.For those of you who have created a never-before-seen product or service, this is where you have to remember the core value of your product,

which will help you to identify who you will be competing for resources with.For instance, the pen writes with ink, but the pencil with lead. Two different things alto-gether, but they both do the same thing—they write. In essence, pens are in competition with pencils, as although one is made of wood

and the other has refillable ink and colours, they both are used to write. So think about your competition, but focus on how you stand.

5) The investor.Yes it is their money, their time, their choice to invest in you and your start up, but it is also your duty to make sure they are the ones you want to be in bed with.When it comes to investment, the entrepreneur has to be sure that this kind of funding will not sink their venture. You have to be very sure about the business-partners you align yourself with, and be

clear about each other’s roles and outlooks on life.

The investors you surround yourself with can either make or break your venture, so sign up with those who believe in your business and will support you and the

company for the long haul.There is no easy or simple answer for how to solve your funding needs, however, if you are going to build your company with outside resources, then you have to make some critical decisions about what that really means not only for the investor, but more importantly, your company.

T.O.C

START UP WATCH:

Meet Kevin Manning, the man behind KPressure Management Services!

If you need your driveway and house power washed to its original beauty, then Kpressure Power washing Services may just be the company for you.

Recently the WM Magazine team sat down with Kevin Manning, the man behind Kpressure, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and juggling fatherhood. Manning was all smiles as he

was interviewed and was the picture of a relaxed man who was ready and willing to talk about his company.

When asked how the company—which was founded in July 2012—came to be, he explained he had actually wanted to get into a recycling business that involved welding. When he reached out to a group who did just that in the United

States, he discovered he would need many tools to get the job done, which at that time he could not afford and Manning was forced to look for an alter-native business to fund his passion.

“I was like, how do I generate money to create a business without having money? So I was looking around at differ-ent businesses and then one day I just saw someone power

Kevin Manning from KPressure Powerwashing Services


washing and a light bulb went off and I was like, that looked interesting and so I spent the next year doing some research on power washing and then I just jumped and did it,” he said.

Although Manning did not have any previous experience in power washing, he quickly learnt from various online resources and proudly self-taught himself the needed skills, as well as linked up with several other power washers to learn more about the field and techniques.

In response to how he overcame his first business fear, he explained it was as simple as seeing a problem and realised he could be a part of the solution with his company. He also explained his very economical yet

effective marketing strategy, which involved a reflective vest and a bag of letters. “I got on my computer, did a letter, signed it, got a box of envelopes, printed a million and one company letters, put them in envelopes, put them on a bag on my shoulder and walked through the neighbourhood and put [them] in mail boxes and that was it,” he divulged.

Manning further explained the importance of working within one’s budget as well as not making his prospective clients uncomfortable, saying he did not want the residents to be wary of him and so he did not knock on doors, only left his letters in the mailboxes and moved along.

Kpressure has definitely grown over the last four years, and according to Manning, this growth isn’t in the way people might think.

“Most people think of growing as getting more business. I probably have the same business numbers, but it’s the volume of business. Before I would have been doing Mary-Jane’s driveway, but now, I’m doing Bob Smith’s house and driveway, so it’s the same type of numbers, but the type and size of the job has increased tremendously.”

Manning who juggles being a dad, entrepreneur, and employee who works in sales, said it was a “hard juggle” but he scheduled everything around his young son and has mastered the art of time management.

Kevin Manning cleaning the gutter of a client’s home

Kevin Manning cleaning up the driveway of a client’s house

T.O.C

He shared that time manage-ment was paramount and uses his off hours, such as the evenings and the weekend, to balance his accounts.

For Manning, it is important to do what he loves and has he has advised other entrepre-neurs to do the same, while holding steady in their field.

“Do what you like. There is nothing good about working hard at something you don’t like. You wake up every morning, I hate this business, I hate this part of it, no. You [have] to like it and you can’t be deterred by naysayers,” he advised.

One of these naysayers was a marketing guru who told him not get into the power washing

business, but Manning said he prefers to stay true to a quote passed to him by his elder, “As my grandmother once said, ‘a fisherman in a dry pond is not foolish’.

“So I’m that fisherman in a dry pond but I have a weather man in my back pocket, so he told me there will be a flood, so I’m just waiting for the flood to come through. I’m just sitting down there waiting and people just looking at me like, this guy is going off but the weatherman is in my back pocket—I have the inside scoop, I have the tip,” he said.

Recounting one of his more successful jobs, he said a memorable highlight was the look of satisfaction on the client’s face.

“When he saw the results… he was just blown away and I think that is the greatest feeling, when you have a client who looks at your product and it’s like, okay yeah, I am going to refer you to someone else.”

Manning explained he has utilised social media to generate business, but has found word-of-mouth to still be very efficient.

He said that the power washing field is one similar to a fraternity and while there are techniques that are unique to each company, he is not averse to teaching others, as it is his belief that more people working in the field will bring more awareness to the industry.

WM logo created by the powerwashing of Kpressure in a driveway! We loved it.


“I was wary of other people getting into the business but a friend told me once—not everyone is going to be your customer, but then there are some people that will be your customer regardless, so there is enough business for everyone to do. You don’t be afraid of compe-tition, I’m not afraid so I have no issue with showing people or sharing my information, because it was shared [with] me. If it wasn’t for the guys at the pressure washing resource association online that gave me the input, I wouldn’t know.”

T.O.C

Smart-phones are the entrepreneur’s best friend.

These mobile wonders allow you to keep in constant contact with your clients, sponsors, and supporters. With the technology you can check your e-mails, schedule meetings, and even find directions for your next one.

With so many apps available for smart phones these days, there is precious little you

can’t get done on your mobile device. Your phone is your ultra-personal computer, open and ready at any time.

With that being said, there are some features you should probably check out before you buy a phone for business.

Many of us rarely think of our smart-phones as business tools. Sure we know they can help us, but when buying this piece of tech, how many of us actually think about what

we need it for, and how it will help us conduct business? Is there really a difference between buying a phone for personal use and one for business?

Yes, there is.

For personal use you may just be looking for something that can play music, take some photos and be able to access the internet. You may even have a preference between the Android, iOS, and the Windows phones.

However, when thinking about business, you have to be a bit more discerning.

By Ashlee Cox

Gone DigitalBuying the right smart phone for your business


Size is something you should consider when looking for your business phone. There are some phones that are a hybrid between smart-phones and tablets that provide extra screen room and help the business user to better view or edit documents, e-mails, and spread sheets on their phones. These types are not a one -size fits all and some may prefer smaller sizes for easier mobility.

A great compromise can be to get a phone around five (5)inches, or a bit less.

If you are planning on utilising your phone to review documents, you will also need to ensure that it is capable of linking with your company’s ICTs, including outlook and any other server based applications that will necessitate remote access.

Processor speeds while important, are more based on personal preference. When looking for the smart-phone, what you really want to check are both its storage capacity and battery life.

You may find yourself “living” off your phone and these two things are critical.

There are two types of storage: the on-board storage, which measures how much data the phone can hold on its internal hard disk; and expandable storage, which can be added to the phone via a memory card. For most business users anywhere between 8 GB and 16GB of on-board storage is

standard if you will be review-ing work often, especially as most phones are no longer being made with a memory card slot.

In that same vein, good battery life means more productivity. If you want real longevity for your phone, look for those with batteries rated near 3,000mAh or higher.

Whenever purchasing a new piece of technology, we also recommend that you Google the specs and read up on the reviews to see what its strengths and weaknesses are, and then buy the one that you know will be the most productive for what you want it for.

T.O.C

CREATE THIS:We caught up witht the Founder of Caribopal, Adriel Alleyne and found out what it takes to be a tech-entrpreneur in the lovely Tropicla Island of Barbados.During the interview, he teased thaqt there may be a few fun apps that are in the pipeline to be released globally.

Caribopal is a Barbados based business that provides high quality software, mobile and web development solutions.

Q: What prompted you to start the company?

A: I saw an opportunity to fill some of the growing local and international demands for web and mobile application development.

Q: We were told you were creating an app. Can you tell us more about it?

A: Actually I am working on several products and am exploring partnering with a number of partners to create a variety of mobile applications. However, the app that I am currently most excited about

is a consumer information app which you could watch out for; also a puzzle based mobile game could be coming.

Q: Do you find there is more of a push for tech-related entrepreneurship in Barbados?

A: Yes, I believe so. This trend is enabled by a number of incentives, programs and opportunities which have come about in recent times with the advancement of technology. Also, the world shrinking effect of the World Wide Web has served to provide access to new markets in which Barbados based tech entrepreneurs can flourish. In fact, many of my clients are from other countries such as Australia and North America.


Q: What have been the hurdles you have had to overcome since you have founded the company?

A: The main hurdles I have had to overcome would have been winning those first few clients and finding people and businesses to build strategic partnerships with.

Q: What have been your major accomplishments to date?

A: Some of the main accom-plishments of Caribopal to date have been for example- being contracted by a New Zealand medical clinic to provide a mobile app to work with their AI analysis of patient data, and assisting in the development of an interac-tive mobile friendly electronic commerce platform for a

Southern California startup.

Q: What is next for you and the company?

A: Right now my energies are focused on completing the apps that I am working on, expanding my promo-tional activities in order to attract a wider range of clients and pursuing alliances with graphic artists and other professionals through which my business can grow.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone who may want to become a tech-entrepreneur?

A: Do plenty of research, acquire the right skills and contacts for developing your business and most of all, stay focused on the goal.

Q: Is there anything you wish to add about you and your company?

A: I’ve had a lifelong interest in software development and my ultimate goal is for my company to become the premier international app development business based in Barbados.

by Ashlee Cox

T.O.C

One of the great challenges for entrepreneurs is the ability to focus.

In an interview with WM Magazine, Dr Marcia Brandon, managing director of the Caribbean Centre of Excellence for a Sustainable Livelihood in Barbados, said that some of the challenges that entrepreneurs face include being able to focus and getting things done.

“A lot of entrepreneurs spend a lot of time going from how to get ideas from their heads onto the paper and when they get it onto the paper, how to

get it onto the ground, how to get it done, so those are some of the main challenges According to Dr. Brandon, focus is paramount. “It’s very easy to say you want to start a business and then everything clouds your mind. It’s not easy to back away from things,

like I have developed over the years different compartments for my brain, so I can shut things off.”

Saying that entrepreneurs had to work very hard because they had to grow custom-er-bases, suppliers, and search out funding opportunities, she explained it was nothing like a

“9 to 5” and entrepreneurs had to work almost every hour-Brandon cautioned that it was not enough to simply network, but entrepreneurs had to step it up to another level and aim for connectivity where they really formed relationships with others.

“It is not just about exchanging the card, it’s about making sure you follow-up as well because many times we don’t do that, and business is not about sitting down and thinking that things are going to come to you, it’s about grabbing opportunities, and in order for you to grab opportunities, you must

From left, Ashlee Cox, WM contributor in discussion with Dr Marcia Brandon. Photo by Reco Moore

WM in the CommunityWM Magazine, May 2016

do what I call ‘pound the pavement’, literally,” she advised.For serious entrepreneurs, sitting around and waiting for things to happen just won’t cut it Dr. Brandon maintained.

“You have to be out there doing it, getting it done, because it is not going to fall into your lap. So it’s about determination, drive, passion, and a deep hunger, because you want to make a difference, you want to make money . . . but you also want to hire other people, so it’s about you, but it’s also bigger than you.”

The managing director, who worked with many Caribbean

entrepreneurs, advised anyone thinking of starting their own business, to be clear on what they wanted and what they were prepared to sacri-fice. Admitting that no one was ever a hundred percent sure that this was something they wanted to do, she said there was nothing wrong with exploring the option. She also cautioned that starting your own business is extreme-ly lonely and is a big life decision. “So my advice for entrepre-neurs who are doing this is to always to be very, very clear about why you are starting this,” she explained.

“Have your broad goals and smart objectives and your implementation strategy—how to get it done, because your most important thing is how to get money out of the pockets of customers to buy your product, because you are in a business to make money. [However] making money is not going to happen immediately, you have to pound that pavement, build up relationships, and consis-tently ‘re-tweak’. Your mind-set has to be one of dynamism, flexibility, [and] grabbing opportunities.”

By Ashlee Cox

T.O.C

On Point: In-Style

Long Straight Hair

Short Straight Hair

Let’s hone in on a part of our bodies that can make or break a great look—our hair. Having a hairstyle that suits your professional needs is a step in the right direction, as first impressions definitely matter. There are some industries, for example the creative arts, where practitioners can get away with more flamboyant looks. In fact, it’s expected in some cases. However, if you’re a business analyst, your clients probably don’t want to see you show up with a yellow and red mohawk. So, check out some of the hairstyles for your hair type that are perfect for work, while still giving you a chic, polished, and modern look.

Whether it’s natural or you’ve relaxed or texturised your hair to achieve a straight look, you can’t go wrong with a sleek-and-low ponytail. This type of hairstyle allows you to show off the length, while keeping the front tidy and professional. There are a multitude of great styles you can choose includ-ing: a fishtail, neat French braid, over-the-shoulder ponytail, and for a business dinner or cocktail party, feel free to leave it loose.

Short straight hair has can be cut into a variety of styles that make the wearer appear both professional and elegant. Pixie cuts are easy to manage and have a bang that doesn’t get into your way too much. Sleek-in-line cuts are nice if you have more length and thick hair, as are page-boy cuts. On those mornings when you have more spare time, consider using your curling iron to achieve wavy looks with your short hair.

We are loving Jennifer Hudson’s French-braid

J-Law is rocking the Pixie cut!

by Jacqueline Jones


Curly hair can at times be bothersome to tame, but there are many things you can do with it too. Take for example a bouncy up-down-do, or a fetching braid. For those with afro-kinky hair, a top knot is a modern look that’s easy to maintain, as are twist-outs, or braided styles.

Try your hand at various pin-up styles with your short curly hair, which work for most hair types. You can also let some of your curls drop in a bang and pull back the rest of your hair for a pretty and quick do. Curly bobs also give a professional feel while showing off your awesome curls.

Choose haircuts that not only compliment your style and features, but those that are professional.

Stay away from shaggy cuts, beards and moustaches should be well-kept, and if you insist on wearing your hair long, keep it in a neat ponytail. For those who wear locks, keep them tidy and pulled back, or braided for work.

With all of these styles you can consider highlights to give them an extra edge, just be conscious of the industry you’re in and choose your highlights based on your preferences, and what’s accepted in your business community. The last thing any of us wants is to alienate potential customers, employers, or investors, or business partners, so where necessary, keep these things into account.

Long Curly Hair

Short Curly Hair

Elizabeth Olsen’s top-knot is hella chic!

Rihanna is playfully chich with this bob!

For Men

T.O.C

NO HOLDS BARREDTime on our side!It takes a lot of guts to decide you are going into business for yourself.

For many, this idea starts when you have a talent or a few skills, and realise that people may want to pay you for them. It’s usually something that you are passionate about and that you think is needed in your community and society. In short, you see something that is missing and you are ready to provide a solution for that empty space, in a way and manner that no-one else can. You are ready to become an entrepreneur or a small business owner in short—your own boss.

Although entrepreneurship has been a pretty loud buzz word of late, it is still a concept that comes with a lot of trial and error, patience, and perseverance. It will take time to grow your business, to identify and cement your brand, and to make enough money to turn it into a thriving company, and enterprise.

When it comes to entrepre-neurship, one of the things to recognise and remember is that you need to have that most essential of commodi-ties: time. You need to take time and be patient with yourself. Too often we are so hopped up on the amazingness of our own ideas, that we are often baffled as to why others are not as enthusiastic about them as we are. Are they blind? Are they indifferent? Are we not bold enough?

All of these are valiant and necessary questions when entering the murky waters of business. It is not always easy to get your product or services out there into the public domain, nor is it easy to convince someone that they not only need your incredible innovation in their lives, but they have to pay for it . . . from you. It’s a lot like being the new kid in school.

You get transferred to a new school and you plan to make a huge impact, except there is no reason for the entire school to get to know you.

To the many that swarm that building, caught up in their own universes, your presence has not in any way impacted their lives. It’s the same with your new business. It is amazing, wonderful, and necessary, but it needs to have reach, it needs to have an attraction, and a leadership connection.

That all comes with time and perseverance, with learning what works and what does not, and will require a whole lot of research and hard work. You have to learn how to sell yourself to those core few who will then spread the word that you are indeed worthy of being crowned ‘prom king’ or ‘prom queen’. Prove that you are worthy of not only their time, but their unique investment into you. It takes time.

So yeah, there are bills, there are setbacks, there are a whole lot of obstacles in your way. That is to test your mettle and to show you where you need to be. If you find a problem, think of the root cause and its solution but whatever you do, don’t ever give up!


By Ashlee Cox

T.O.C

Dear WM Magazine,My company is about to launch a business conference very soon.

It will begin with a formal cocktail to launch the event on the first night, and

will run for the rest of the week with several seminars, where various experts from overseas

will be presenting on several subjects relevant to the Creative industries.

Our question is what are some of your suggestions for us to put in place for the

press for this week?

-Dean Phillips


by Ashlee Cox

Dear Dean,When thinking of inviting the press to such an event, you have to ensure that you pay attention to the little things.

These will make all the difference, so you should make a list of everything that you would like to invite them to and decide if you will need to them to have a Conference pass, or if their usual Press pass will allow them access.

With cocktails, it is always a good idea to ensure that you have your speakers set-up properly, that there is an active and outlined running order, and that you have created your press kits.

For the night, we would suggest you hire media relations experts—such as Waterway Media—to not only identify the various journalists, but to also help to facilitate photo-shoots and key interviews with your presenters and other important figures.

The launch of the event is very important, as it gives the press and therefore the general public what you intend your message to be and what the public and those attending the event can look forward to.

If you have a variety of presenters, you may also want to promote them and the topics they’ll be speaking on.

These kind of events are perfect for further promotion and your company should try to ensure that the press leaves with not only accurate information about your message, but that they are interested in covering more of your events.

That means you have make sure that they leave with the right informa-tion, with openings for further promotions and features.

For the duration of the conference, always have press tables and press

parking available, and the press should easily be able to obtain all the informa-tion they would need for each presentation.

While it is not feasible to believe that the press will attend every presentation, all information should be readily accessible and accurate.

Again, we would recom-mend hiring media relations and public rela-tions experts to ensure that your conference is one of the most success-ful and promoted events it can be.

For more information about Waterway Media’s media relations’ and public relations’ services, rates, as well as our availability, please visit our website.

T.O.C

waterway media magazine// may to july 2016 edition

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